Kirby

Marlow

United Kingdom

In my third year, I went to Hong Kong for a 12-month placement for a knitwear design company called Brilliant Global. Whilst there, I learnt how the industry works, and how to manage my time and work to tight deadlines.

More about Kirby

What made you choose to study at NTU?“After visiting on the open day, I was amazed at the number of facilities that were dedicated to fashion knitwear design. I attended a mini lecture that went into detail about the layout of the course, and after finding out about the placement year opportunity, I was sure that NTU was the right place to obtain my degree.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?“The best part about the course is the creative freedom that you have over your work, as well as the staff that help and inspire you to push you to your creative strengths.”

Has the course included any live projects or briefs?“We were given the exciting opportunity to work on live projects for well-known brands in our second and final year. This is an amazing opportunity to cater your work to a specific design brief and get familiar with working under brand narratives.”

Has the course included any industry competitions?“I completed a live project/competition for John Lewis where we had the opportunity to have a sweater that we designed manufactured and then sold within the brand. I really enjoyed working towards this brief as the design team from John Lewis would visit and look through our work.”

Has the course included any speakers / lecturers from industry?“There has been many opportunities to speak to people in industry, and rather than just a lecture, we had the chance to meet a few of them and show them our work. A recent visit from Helen Lawrence was an excellent opportunity to show our collection ideas and receive feedback on how to improve our work.”

What do you think about the course staff?“The course is led by really supportive members of staff, from pattern cutting, knitting and course leaders. Because of the niche manner of knitwear design, we are really lucky to have that one-to-one learning experience and support system.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?“There is a lot of studio space, knit machines, dedicated pattern cutting rooms and power knit suites. The Bonington shop provides all art and design equipment which is very useful when you spend so much time working in the studio. The library also offers so much work space, and having a student union on campus is really great.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?“Nottingham is a great city, and the fact that the campus is in the city centre is a bonus because everything you need is easily accessible.”

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles?“If you are applying for a knitwear design degree, then NTU is the place to be. The course is renowned for its amazing facilities and links to the industry. I wouldn’t have wanted to study anywhere else.”

Have you completed any work placements?“In my third year, I went to Hong Kong for a 12-month placement for a knitwear design company called Brilliant Global. My role as their Product Development Assistant meant that I had the opportunity to design garments and stitches for our American clients. Whilst in Hong Kong, I learnt how the industry works, how to manage my time and work to tight deadlines, how to present my work to a team, and work within that team to achieve daily tasks.

“I also learnt how to work and live within a different culture. Another important lesson I learnt was how to liaise with factories, design teams and clients, which is an important and valuable lesson that will help me after graduation.”